Governments may initiate mass killings and genocide as a means of asserting power and control over a population, eliminating perceived threats to their authority, and promoting a sense of national or ethnic superiority. These actions are often carried out in pursuit of political or ideological goals, such as ethnic cleansing or the consolidation of power. Additionally, genocide can be used as a tool to perpetrate violence and instill fear in a population in order to prevent resistance or rebellion against the government. Ultimately, mass killings and genocide are often driven by a combination of political, social, and economic factors that serve the interests of those in power.
